The New York Yankees flamed out of the playoffs once again this season, losing in four games to the Toronto Blue Jays in their ALDS clash. Now, they will head into an offseason full of big questions that need to be answered, as the team is once again searching for ways to get over the hump and win a World Series.
Easily the biggest weakness for the Yankees this season was their bullpen. Even a slew of moves at the trade deadline could not save this group, and the front office will be looking for ways to address this position over the offseason. However, they could have one potential answer on their roster in the form of a struggling starting pitcher who could benefit from taking on a new role.
Yankees Urged to Send Luis Gil to the Bullpen
After making seven starts in 2021 and 2022 for the Yanks, Gil found his way back to the majors for his official rookie campaign in 2024, and he ended up turning in a dominant season. Gil posted a 15-7 record with a 3.50 ERA and 171 strikeouts, helping him earn the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
Things didn’t go as well for Gil in 2025. He made just 11 starts thanks to a lat strain that caused him to miss most of the year, and while his 3.32 ERA looks good, the underlying metrics are worrying. Gil got hit hard, and he continues to struggle with walks, as he allowed 33 free passes in just 57 innings of work. Control has always been a sore spot for Gil, and it got to the point where he was taking velocity off of his fastball late in the season in an effort to help with his location.
Gil simply did not look like the same pitcher this season, and it’s fair to wonder if he’s cut out to be a starter moving forward, especially with Gerrit Cole presumably returning to the rotation in 2026. With that in mind, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic recently suggested that the team move Gil to the bullpen in an effort to see if he could be a multi-inning relief pitcher for them.
“Moving Gil to the bullpen would help simplify his mechanics in shorter outings, while also allowing him to rear back for the high velocity he has in his arm,” Kirschner wrote. “The Yankees have been searching for a multi-inning reliever since they traded Michael King two years ago as part of the deal to land Soto from the San Diego Padres. It’s worth experimenting to see if Gil can be that guy.”
Should the Yankees Move Luis Gil to the Bullpen?
GettyNEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Pitcher Luis Gil #81 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning of a game at Yankee Stadium on September 8, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Starting pitchers are obviously more valuable than relief pitchers, but New York has the luxury of having several strong starters at its disposal already. If they have the ability to experiment with Gil as a reliever, why not explore that opportunity? The team clearly needs bullpen help, and moving Gil to the bullpen could help him eliminate his control issues without having to worry about his velocity.
Whether or not a move to the bullpen is in Gil’s future likely depends on how the team’s offseason goes. If the team brings several relievers to town, there wouldn’t really be a need for him in the bullpen, but if Gil isn’t needed in the starting rotation, shifting him to the bullpen would make a lot of sense. For now, it will be worth seeing what New York does in free agency, as that could determine what Gil’s future with the team looks like.
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